• Community Gardening,  FOOD

    Top Ten Reasons to Buy From Local Growers

    Shopping in large corporate grocery stores that are open 24/7 is convenient. Supporting a local agricultural economy requires more planning, commitment and thought. Here are ten powerful reasons to do so: 1. Contribute to the Local Economy Buying food from chain grocery stores depends on a large infrastructure to support a global food system that removes about 93% of food dollars from a local economy. When you buy directly from a local grower, 90% of that money is returned to the grower and stays within your local economy. 2. Empower Regional Food Access and Security Most people know the adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” as a…

  • energy efficient
    Housing,  Money

    The Basics of an Energy Efficient Mortgage

    Going green has many benefits. Not only does it lower your impact on the environment, but it could potentially save you money. When it comes to your home, it can be difficult to make your house more energy efficient. Luckily, with an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), you can borrow more money to help you upgrade your home with green technology. Here are just a few upgrades that qualify under an EEM: Alternative heating such as a pellet stove New windows and insulation New roofing technologies Solar Panels for both electricity and hot water heating In order to qualify for an EEM, you must first qualify for a regular mortgage. When…

  • regular Auto maintenance
    TRANSPORTATION

    Regular Auto Maintenance Is Good for You, Your Wallet, and The Environment

    Why should you spend time and money maintaining your vehicle? The average new car cost $30,500 in 2012. That’s a pretty steep investment, so it makes sense to squeeze every dime out of it. I asked Tom Dwyer, owner of Tom Dwyer Automotive Services in Portland, OR, for the best way to keep our vehicles on the road for years to come… “Maintenance.” said Tom. “The absolutely best way to ensure safe and reliable performance is to follow a sensible, proactive maintenance plan. With consistent maintenance, your vehicle can last for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles beyond its warranty period.” Beyond protecting your investment, Tom gave other…

  • wisemandarine
    Home Garden,  Organics

    SMART Composting: A Rind Is A Terrible Thing To Waste

    More and more, people recognize that putting organic matter in a landfill is a waste of both money and natural resources. Organic material in a landfill decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), releasing harmful methane. You can do your garden and the planet a good turn by turning your organic spoils into food for the earth. Composting returns elements to the soil where plants can use them and the nutrients can continue to nourish the cycle of life. It also reduces climate-changing gas emissions and is an easy, inexpensive way to enrich gardens. Compost helps a garden to thrive – improving clay soil, allowing air and moisture to penetrate the soil, and…